2023 Subaru Forester vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat unremarkable exterior, offered a practical and functional design that appealed to those who valued utility over aesthetics. The Touring trim, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, was considered the most attractive in the lineup. Inside, the Forester Touring featured Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, creating a traditional Subaru interior with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. While the interior was busy with a mix of materials and controls, it was appreciated for its ease of use and practicality, especially with its robust roof rails and ample cargo space.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban was a behemoth on the road, blending into traffic despite its massive size. Its imposing dimensions made it a staple for those needing extensive cargo and passenger space. The Suburban was available in six trims, each offering increasing levels of luxury and features. The High Country trim, which was tested, boasted 22-inch alloy wheels and optional features like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious and comfortable cabin with leather upholstery and advanced climate control, though it felt somewhat pedestrian despite its high-end features.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness, while the X-Mode off-road traction management system was available on all but the Base trim. The Forester Touring, tested in challenging weather conditions, demonstrated its capability on flooded roads and muddy trails, inspiring confidence with its excellent driving dynamics, light steering, and effective brakes. However, the engine was considered merely adequate, and the Forester's fuel economy fell short of expectations, prompting a desire for a turbocharged or hybrid option.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 horsepower. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, was praised for its smooth performance and fuel efficiency. The Suburban's size was noticeable, but its steering and brakes were up to the task, and the height-adjustable air suspension provided a comfortable ride. The electronic button-style shift mechanism was a point of contention, but it freed up space in the center console. The Suburban's towing capacity and engine options made it a versatile choice for those needing power and capability.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and heated elements in the Premium trim. The Forester's outward visibility was excellent, and its interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage and a usefully shaped cargo area. However, the sunroof's lack of tinting and the back seats' comfort were areas of concern. The Forester's cargo capacity was average for its class, with 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet. This made it a top choice for those needing extensive carrying capacity. The Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank allowed for long-distance travel, especially with the diesel engine's efficiency. The Suburban's interior was spacious and comfortable, making it ideal for road trips and family outings.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was user-friendly, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the Base trim and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and premium audio on higher trims. The infotainment system's physical controls were appreciated, though the voice-recognition system was unreliable. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were recommended for navigation and connectivity.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen on all but the base trim, with Google Built-in providing seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available. The 10-speaker Bose audio system was adequate but lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced an updated EyeSight system with improved software and cameras, offering features like Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in new side-impact and frontal-impact tests.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, was available on higher trims.